Community

Don’t be a lone hero. Attack and defend as a team. Play for the love of the game, for the friendships that you build; not just to get a gold medal. When every member of the team has an equal chance to score, everyone wins.

It was my love for football that first led me to Special Olympics Nippon, and started me on this life-changing journey. I volunteered to be a unified partner a few years ago through my school, Ichimura High School.

With these special children, I learn as much from them as I hope they do from me. I remember the day that one of my Special Olympics athletes fainted on the field. We were conducting try-outs for the football team.

Welcome to Human R.A.C.E., our engine to drive Respect, Acceptance, Change and Equality for people with intellectual disabilities. We are more similar than we are different, so why discriminate? Hear our voices. Feel our fears. Share our joy as we race to the finish line.

As a medical practitioner, I consider myself blessed to be able to serve others. I have always wanted to do something out of the routine medical practice of a podiatrist. Special Olympics Bharat (India) has given me a platform to do so.

They are no less than us; we are all equal. Growing up with a cousin with cerebral palsy has shaped my perception of people with intellectual disabilities from a young age. Although she is non-verbal, I don’t find it hard to communicate with her.